1. check in

Exterior facade © Marriott

Very few hotels are closer to the party than The Westin Dublin. The largest St. Patrick's Day parade - probably in the world - passes it by. It features stylish rooms and suites, views of Trinity College, and is close to the many shopping opportunities in the area.

The Westin Dublin
College Green, Westmoreland Street, Dublin, Ireland, D02 HR67
Web: marriott.com
Tel: +353 1 645 10 00
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €400

2. get the party started

Tasting Room © Claudia Hilmbauer

What better way to get into the party mood than with a whiskey tasting? A visit to Roe & Co Distillery on St. James Street is a special experience. The distillery is located in a former Guinness power plant. Its specialty is intense single malts aged in bourbon barrels. During a 75-minute tour, you not only have the opportunity to learn all about their production, of course, you also have the opportunity to taste the sublime spirits. The distillery has a store and a bar as well.

Roe & Co Distillery
92 St. James's Street, Dublin 8, Ireland
Web: roeandcowhiskey.com
Tel: +353 1 643 5999

3. fixed point parade

Tense waiting for the beginning, © Shutterstock

If you're in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day, you have got go to the parade. There is actually no way around it. It starts on March 17 at 12 o'clock in the center of the city. The route leads to the north of the city, down O'Connell Street and over the bridge to the south. It ends around 2 p.m. at the corner of Cuffe Street and Kevin Street. Tickets are not needed - unless you want to book a Grandstand. These are reserved seats in the front row and come out to €100 per person.

4. detour to the Festival Quarter

Main Act: Mother presents Cultúr Club, © Ruth Medjber @ruthlessimagery/BABSDALY

From March 16 to 18, the Collins Barracks of the National Museum of Ireland is transformed into the "Festival Quarter". This is where numerous events around St. Patrick's Day take place. Concerts, relaxation areas and performances, among other events. A separate area is reserved for Irish street food. The daytime events are free, tickets are required for events in the evening.

Festival Quarter
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter, Dublin, D07 XKV4, Ireland
Web: stpatricksfestival.ie

5. food with a view

Panorama © Sophie's

Whether you're stopping by for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or cocktails: Sophie's Rooftop Restaurant & Bar on Harcourt Street is always worth a visit. Guests can enjoy their Sirloin steak or pizza with 360° panoramic views of the city. If you like, you can watch the chefs prep the plates through the glass panes to the kitchen.

Sophie's Restaurant & Bar
33 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2, Ireland
Web: sophies.ie
Tel: +353 1 607 8100

6. go to church

Mass wine was yesterday. Whiskey is today. © Shutterstock

On the way back to the Westin, there are two things that you have to experience: first, a detour to Temple Bar, perhaps the most legendary pub in the world. Here you can choose from the largest collection of whiskeys in Ireland. It's open every day of the year, and there's live Irish music around the clock. And second: a visit to The Church. The latter is a bar and restaurant/café located in a former church. A fantastic spot to toast the country's saint on St. Patrick's Day in Dublin.

The Church Café, Late Bar & Restaurant
Jervis St, North City, Dublin 1, D01 YX64, Ireland
Web: thechurch.ie
Tel: +353 1 828 0102

7. book Spa Treatment

Infinity Pool © Anantara

Rest, recreation, relaxation. That's what a St. Patrick's Day in Dublin can make you crave. Fortunately, there are some excellent day spas in the city. The multi-award winning spa at Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel is one of the best. A wonderful way to start the day is with a healthy smoothie and morning yoga. Therapy that combines the best of the East and West can help restore your energy., and a sauna and infinity pool await you as well.

Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel
Grand Canal Quay, Docklands, Dublin, D02 CK38, Ireland
Web: anantara.com
Tel: +353 1 687 5100
Price: doubles incl. breakfast from €305